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JAKE BATES #39 - KICKER - DETROIT LIONS
15 FGA •
15 FGM •
97.5% PAT
15 FGA
15 FGM
97.5% PAT
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Hits field goal in preseason opener Bates made his only field-goal attempt in Thursday's 14-3 loss to the Giants.
Impact Bates was able to capitalize on his only opportunity Thursday, nailing a 53-yard field goal to give the Lions an early 3-0 lead. The 25-year-old signed with Detroit in June and he appears to be the featured kicker with the team in 2024 after expected starter Michael Badgley (hamstring) suffered season-ending injury.
AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE
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Expected to sign with Detroit The Lions are expected to sign Bates to a contract, though a potential signing won't be official until Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Impact Bates has built quite a bit of buzz during his time with the UFL's Michigan Panthers, as the first field goal he made with the team was a 64-yard game-winning kick March 30 that established the record for the longest field goal in league history. In fact, throughout all of professional football, the only converted field goal from a longer distance is Justin Tucker's 66-yarder for the NFL's Ravens in 2021. Bates kicked two additional field goals of 60-plus yards during the UFL regular season and made 17 of 22 tries overall. His big leg can obviously be an asset in the NFL, and he'll likely compete with Michael Badgley and James Turner for kicking duties with the Lions if the signing does indeed go through.
JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE
